Tasman's Great Taste Trail: Nelson, Mapua, Motueka & Kaiteriteri

Overview

Tasman's Great Taste Trail loops around the Nelson–Tasman region through Nelson, Richmond, Wakefield, Motueka and Kaiteriteri. The scenery mixes coast, river, orchards and towns, and the "taste" part is real: fruit stalls, pie shops, cafés, craft breweries in "the home of hops", vineyards and artists' studios.

The sections add up to about 188 km. The trail is mostly Grade 1–2 (easy), smooth and flat, with a more challenging Grade 3 backcountry section inland. Ride it over several days, or in short day rides from a single base.

Highlights

• Kaiteriteri's golden beach, and the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park
• The bird-filled Waimea Inlet, the South Island's largest enclosed estuary
• Rabbit Island and the little Mapua ferry
• Spooners Tunnel, 1,400 m long and New Zealand's longest decommissioned rail tunnel
• Vineyards, craft beer and fruit stalls, and Mapua's waterfront village

Coastal branch (Nelson → Kaiteriteri)

The Mapua ferry makes a 200 m, 7-minute crossing from Rabbit Island to Mapua Wharf. It's the only sensible way across; the alternative is 15 km on busy SH60. It runs on a limited timetable, especially in winter, and can be cancelled in high winds, so check before you go. Dogs aren't allowed on Rabbit Island.

Inland branch (Richmond → Riwaka)

• Spooners Tunnel is dark and cold, so bring a torch and a warm layer. The line closed in 1955 despite protests, including six days of women sitting on the tracks led by Sonja Davies.
• Tapawera → Riwaka runs over the Baton Saddle on gravel roads shared with logging trucks and milk tankers. There are few places to resupply and no e-bike charging.

Day rides

Need to know

• Bike: A hybrid is fine, unless you plan to ride Kaiteriteri MTB Park hard. E-bikes are allowed, and there's a charging station at the Kaiteriteri campground.
• Take care at busy intersections and on inland country roads.
• Mobile coverage: Good on the coast, with gaps inland.
• Dogs: On a lead on most sections, except Rabbit Island and where signs say otherwise. No horses on the purpose-built sections.

Getting there

Nelson has a busy regional airport and is under 2 hours from the Picton ferry. InterCity serves Nelson, Richmond and Motueka. Bike hire and shuttles are widely available. Book ahead for December to March.